[Cardiac conductive disease with atrial fibrillation in a Chinese pedigree and evaluation of the treatments].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical characteristics of a Chinese pedigree with cardiac conductive disease complicated by atrial fibrillation and the therapeutic effect of the treatments.

METHODS: All the family members including the proband were screened with routine examination, electrocardiography, echocardiograpy, Holter recording, chest X-ray, blood biochemistry tests and autoantibody test. The proband received dual chamber pacemaker implantation combined with oral amiodarone treatment for 3 months. The patient was monitored for thyreoid function and chest X-ray during the treatments, and was followed up for another 3 months.

RESULTS: Clinical evidence of organic heart disease was found in none of the family members. The proband showed recurrent dizziness and chest distress, which exacerbated after exercise, and ECG showed atrial fibrillation and severe A-V block. The proband's uncle was found to have atrial fibrillation and III degree A-V block after a syncope episode at the age of 30, and received a pacemaker treatment. Her grandpa died from a heart attack without detailed clinical documentations. No other family members showed abnormal ECG or a history of any heart events. The proband's condition was improved by treatments, after which ECG and Holter recording showed pace rhythm without atrial fibrillation.

CONCLUSION: Cardiac conductive disease with atrial fibrillation can present in one family, and can be managed effectively and safely with implantation of dual chamber pacemaker combined with oral amiodarone.